Mobile Device Case Light Arrangement Manual Actuator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Many mobile devices, especially tablets without a built-in light, lack a convenient and easily accessible light source for users, necessitating the activation of applications or functions to utilize the device's light, which may not provide sufficient brightness or be inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device case equipped with a light arrangement, including a light-emitting diode and a manually operable actuator, such as a push button or touch-sensitive switch, that can be powered by the device or an external source, providing a standalone light source without requiring app activation and offering adjustable duration of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light source is integrated into the mobile device, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight brightnessVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary adapter as a mediator between the mobile device and external devices. The adapter contains the light source and power management components, separating the illumination function from the mobile device itself. This allows the light to be powered through the device's existing connector without integrating the light directly into the mobile device, thus improving illumination while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a light arrangement is added to the case, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight controlVSAvoidcase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light arrangement is designed to be self-contained within the case, with its own power source (battery) and control mechanism (actuator). The system serves itself by having the battery automatically power the light when activated, without requiring complex external power management or integration with the mobile device's power system. This improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in case structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual light control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight activationVSAvoidactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is positioned and configured in advance within easy reach of the user's hand when holding the mobile device. The mechanical switch is pre-set in a ready state, requiring only a simple push or slide motion to activate the light. This preliminary positioning and preparation of the control mechanism minimizes the time and effort required for light activation, improving ease of operation without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The case provides a user-friendly, portable light solution that enhances visibility and convenience by allowing manual activation and control of a light source integrated into the device case, addressing the lack of built-in lights in mobile devices and offering additional brightness or reduced shadows.

Implementation Method 1

The light arrangement includes a light and a light actuator for manually turning the light on or off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10812643B1Cases for mobile devices incorporating a light within the case and methods of making and using
Publication Date: 2020.10.20 NP LIQUIDATING CO INC
  • US10812643B1 patent drawing
  • US10812643B1 patent drawing
  • US10812643B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A case for a mobile device includes a cover defining a cavity for receiving and holding the mobile device; an adapter disposed at least partially within the cover; and a light arrangement disposed within or adjacent to the cover. The adapter includes first contacts disposed on an exterior of the case, a male plug extending into the cavity for insertion into a female socket of the mobile device, and second contacts disposed on the male plug and electrically coupled to the first contacts. The light arrangement includes a light and a light actuator for manually turning the light on or off. The light is electrically coupled to at least one of the first contacts or the second contacts to obtain power from the mobile device received in the cover or from an external device electrically coupled to the first contacts.